What are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain?

The brain receives arterial blood through four main arteries: two vertebral arteries and two internal carotid arteries. The vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery, while the internal carotids give rise to the middle and anterior cerebral arteries.

What is the Circle of Willis and what is its function?

The Circle of Willis is a hexagonal arterial ring at the base of the brain formed by anastomosis between branches of the internal carotid and vertebral systems. Its primary function is to provide collateral circulation in case of arterial occlusion, though minimal blood mixing occurs under normal conditions.

What are the key branches of the vertebral artery?

Key branches of the vertebral artery include the posterior spinal artery (supplies posterior spinal cord), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) (supplies cerebellum and medulla), anterior spinal artery (descends on anterior spinal cord), and meningeal and medullary branches.

Which arteries supply the cerebrum?

The cerebrum receives blood from three paired arteries: anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery. These give off cortical branches for the outer cortex, central branches for deep structures, and choroidal branches for the choroid plexus.

What is the clinical significance of the Circle of Willis?

The Circle of Willis is a common site for berry aneurysms. If these aneurysms rupture, they can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a serious medical emergency.

Which artery supplies most of the superolateral surface of the cerebrum?

The middle cerebral artery supplies approximately two-thirds of the superolateral surface, including important areas like the motor and sensory cortices and language areas.

How are deep brain structures like the thalamus and basal ganglia supplied with blood?

Deep brain structures receive blood through central (perforating) branches of cerebral arteries. For example, the corpus striatum and internal capsule are supplied by central branches of middle and anterior cerebral arteries, while the thalamus receives blood from posterior communicating, posterior cerebral, and basilar arteries.

Brain Arteries – Circle of Willis & Major Territories

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